What do Celiac, Thyroid, and Addison's Disease Have in Common? Diabetes!!

Lately when I run into a Type 1 diabetic friend they always seem to have something else going on in addition to their diabetes. For instance, one friend just told me that he has celiac disease in addition to his Type 1 diabetes. Celiac disease can affect how nutrients are absorbed in the body and can often affect blood sugar levels. Many celiacs must stop consuming foods with gluten. My friend is one of those who lives a gluten free diet.

My own husband has Type 1 diabetes and Addison's disease. Addison's disease is an adrenal insufficiency in the body. John F. Kennedy was known to have this rare disorder. Instead of worrying about high blood pressure, my husband has to take medication to keep his blood pressure up. It can also affect the melatonin in his skin and how he deals with stress.

Other Type 1 diabetics I've run into have thyroid problems or thyroid disorders.

My question: Why did my husband and many others get these disorders in addition to their diabetes??

Type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disorder where a person's immune system attacks healthy tissues as if they were foreign invaders. That is perhaps why many diabetics later develop diseases like celiac, Addison's, or thyroid problems. Thyroid disease is the most common in Type 1 diabetics and is seen in approximately 15-20% of those with Type 1 diabetes. Celiac disease affects approximately 1 in every 20 Type 1 diabetics. Addison's is the most rare, but often accompanies those with Type 1 diabetes.

Replies to This Discussion

Kristen~ You are my blonde twin! I also have T1, celiac, hypothyroidism and asthma. I will be seeing a doctor soon to check on adrenal insufficiency as well. I also had HELLP syndrome of pregnancy. So happy to find others who make me feel somewhat normal!

Here is a good article talking about multiple autoimmune problems. They do tend to get grouped together. Besides T1, I also have Hashimotos and suspect Celiacs. I did not do the testing for Celiacs because it was useless to ask the doctors I had at the time and just went gluten free on my own. I suspect I have RA but have never had the testing done for it.

If you think that you have RA, why wouldn't you have the testing done? There are many treatments for RA that can help prevent some of the horrible damage that RA can do to your body. There are also many different kinds of inflammatory arthritis, so you may or may not have RA. But if it were me, I would certainly want to know and start getting appropriate treatment.

Some times it gets scary to count up all the specialists some of have to see for the various autoimmune conditions we have.

Lathump, I would like to have the testing done. Getting doctors around here to do anything pretty much requires putting a gun to their head - I am not quite ready to do that! I had one doctor tell me they thought I did but never tested for it. I have appointments coming up in May & July in Pittsburgh with 2 new doctors. I am also looking for a new PCP and will probably go to Pittsburgh for that also. Hopefully, I will get somewhere!

Kelly-Living in Minneapolis, I have always had access to good doctors and fortunately my internist will refer me to a specialist when needed. I haven't had problems with any of my doctors being out of network for insurance, so I consider myself lucky.

I wish you the best with your new doctors. I know that it is quite a drive when you go to Pittsburgh, so I hope the new doctors make it worth the trip.

I need to move to a bigger town Lahtump! Small towns are nice unless you need a doctor. The endo I am going to see is one someone had actually given me his name 2 years ago. I couldn't get in then and his name came up again so I thought I would try. I was able to get an appointment this time. My sister-in-law gave me the name of her pulmonary guy but I did not call about that one yet. I also have one in July with a new neurologist. I am getting all new doctors (except for my foot).

I have Type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto's disease (autoimmune hypothyroidism). My mother and her mother had hypothyroidism, but I am the first to have Type 1 diabetes. Some time ago I read a statistic that stated that 80% of women who have T1 and are over age 40 also have Hashimoto's.

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